February 2016

The know zone

  • It's a jungle out there...
    As I walk around school during the day I am struck by the differing groups of students that I meet and observe. Each group has its own social structure, feeding pattern and natural habitat. While there has been little scientific research into these groups I have tried to collate my observations. More
  • Lessons in life?
    A new report from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner recommends compulsory personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) lessons in schools. What are your views – should PSHE be a compulsory component in the National Curriculum? Here ASCL members share their thoughts. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    Hotline advice expressed here, and in calls to us, is made in good faith to our members. Schools and colleges should always take formal HR or legal advice from their indemnified provider before acting. More
  • Great opportunities for leadership development
    ASCL Professional Development (PD) offers a range of support to provide you with the solutions you need. Our events, which are accessible to members and non-members alike, are packed full of practical ideas that you can take back to school or college and are led by expert education practitioners from ASCL’s team. More
  • The appliance of science
    British Science Week (11–20 March 2016) is the UK’s largest grassroots celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) that takes place each March. Every year, it brings together schools, colleges, professionals and communities to celebrate and explore STEM. More
  • Engaging with parents to raise pupil attainment
    Parents say work commitments are the most common barrier to getting more involved in their child’s school life* but parents who have insight into their child’s progress can help to support their development. With the busy lives that parents lead, schools need to find new ways of engaging parents with their child’s progress: More
  • Know your rights
    Academies have changed the landscape on employment and too often staff find themselves with fewer entitlements than expected, so study your contract before you sign, says Sara Ford. More
  • Broadening their horizons
    As the latest research shows, children learn the basics best when they are taught as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, rather than in splendid isolation, says Julie McCulloch. More
  • Braced for change
    Working in a MAT or stand-alone school? Operational or strategic role? Val Andrew looks at what the future holds for school business leaders and school business managers. More
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Great opportunities for leadership development

ASCL Professional Development (PD) offers a range of support to provide you with the solutions you need. Our events, which are accessible to members and non-members alike, are packed full of practical ideas that you can take back to school or college and are led by expert education practitioners from ASCL’s team. 

In addition to being designed for all colleagues in or aspiring to management and leadership positions in schools and colleges, our events are always responsive to both government initiatives and professional needs.

Overview briefings 

Our morning or afternoon briefings are short, cost effective sessions led by ASCL experts who provide both practical advice and guidance to help you through key issues of the day. Current briefings include:

Ofsted’s Guidance on Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare 19 May, Birmingham Book www.ascl.org.uk/ofstedpd 

We also offer a number of short courses and conferences that run across the country on a range of themes. Current courses include: 

Don’t Call it Literacy 

25 February, Birmingham 

Developed for middle and senior leaders of any subject (definitely not just English teachers!), this course is designed to use Ofsted’s new emphasis on communication skills to raise literacy standards across the school. In 1921, George Sampson said, “Every teacher is a teacher of English because every teacher is a teacher in English.” All teachers have responsibility for helping students to read, write and talk more effectively. Participants will learn how to translate that into effective action across the school. Led by Geoff Barton, Head, King Edward VI School, Suffolk Book www.ascl.org.uk/literacyprep 

Ofsted Seminars: How to be Prepared for Inspection

15 March, Birmingham 10 May, London 

A full and comprehensive overview of the new September 2015 Ofsted framework will be provided in this whole-day seminar. There will be a focus on explaining how judgements in each of the five areas are made, and on preparing for inspection and effective self-evaluation. Both the shorter and fuller inspections will be covered. 

Led by ASCL Inspections specialist 

Book www.ascl.org.uk/ofstedseminars 

Towards Deputy Headship 

Two-day residential course 26-27 February Highly intensive, participative and supportive, this essentially practical course will provide an awareness of deputy headship and its role in whole-school policy making. It will give insight into what selection panels look for when short-listing applicants, and in interview and other selection procedures for deputy headship. In addition, there will be individual advice on preparation for deputy headship and participants will present their application for a notional deputy headship. Participants will be treated as candidates for interview, either as interviewees or interviewers, to make the experience as realistic as possible throughout the course. 

Led by A team of practising deputy headteachers and former headteachers 

Book www.ascl.org.uk/todeputy

“Always excellent, probably the best event I attend in the year! It gives you exactly what you need to know and also what is coming in the future.” 

Conference delegate 2015

LEADING READING